Hi,

I am a 24 year old male. I am generally pretty health. In high school I ran cross country and played many other sports growing up. I typically run at least 2-3 times every couple weeks.

I am writing because of very annoying issues with my anal region. I think it started about 2 years ago. I just noticed that almost every day during the summer (warmer weather) but not only the summer, the area around my anus becomes very sweaty causing me to have to wipe frequently. Not only is there sweat, but also fecal residue when I wipe. This causes great discomfort because it's sweaty, and it burns. I am confident this is not a normal sweating due to exercise/ heat issue because that would not explain the burning and the fecal residue. Also it often occurs without the rest of my body sweating. I think I have noticed that after long (multiple hour) car rides, this issue is increased.

Other symptoms I have noticed in conjunction with this are itchiness and just general discomfort around the anus. Sometimes there is difficulty defecating--thought not really constipation, just difficulty. And often I have smaller more frequent defecations, rather than big, healthy feeling defecations.

This is extremely troubling because it is painful and inconvenient. But it is especially concerning now because in a couple months (summer) I plan to go on a hiking journey in which I will walk about 15 miles a day. I am very excited about this and do not want it to be ruined by my anus. I feel that as a 24 year old male, I should be able to be outside in the summer without being miserable.

What do you think could be the issue, and please, please how do I fix it?

Thank you,
RM